By Kathleen Barnard
i saw a man with his child
walk along a path before me
she walked ahead of him
he followed closely behind
watching her
waiting for her
watching all around
they passed by
out of my line of sight
a while later
they walked back
well …
he walked back
carrying her in his arms
still watching
holding her tightly
moments later
he placed her gently on the ground
on her little feet
she walked around him
and tried to climb up on his back
he was willing
but her arms were too small
to go around him and hold on
so he reached around behind
and scooped her up again
carrying her off
into the rest of their day
which left me wondering
what would that look like?
Suddenly
a vision
came to my mind’s eye
soldiers in a battle
some strong and whole
some wounded and weary
not able to walk or fight
noble warriors all
the stronger reached down
and scooped up the weaker
carrying them on their backs
or in their arms
or on litters
away from the fray
to where they could receive
needed care and rest
until they were battle ready once more
or were sent home
having fought valiantly
What a picture!
What an en-Couragement!
What an exhortation!
are we wounded, weak, and weary?
let us cry out
to our Father
to our comrades in arms
are we strong and healthy?
let us be ready
both in season and out of season
to stop and stoop down and lift up
to comfort and console
to pour oil and wine
on the wounds
of the beaten, bruised, and broken,
to bandage them up
and carry them
to a safe place
even at our own expense
where they can recover
and be made whole
once again
.